India set to soar with new fighter jets as defence panel okays massive deal
New Delhi, November 30: In a significant development bolstering India's military capabilities and indigenous defense production, the Defence Acquisition Council has okayed the acquisition of 97 additional Tejas aircraft and 156 Prachand attack helicopters. These aircraft, developed domestically, represent deals valued at around Rs 1.1 lakh crore.
The procurement entails Tejas Mark 1-A fighters for the Indian Air Force and Prachand choppers for both the Air Force and the Army. Furthermore, additional agreements for anti-ship missiles and towed gun systems have been endorsed, elevating the total value to Rs 2.23 lakh crore.
Notably, 98 per cent of the total amount, approximately Rs 2.2 lakh crore, will be sourced from domestic industries, fostering self-reliance in defense and fostering job creation in the long run. This marks the largest order book ever received by indigenous manufacturers in India. While an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been granted, contract negotiations with manufacturers will follow. Although this process will take time, it is expected to be significantly shorter than if foreign manufacturers were involved.
The final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security will occur after negotiating a final price. However, the induction into the military is estimated to take at least 10 years.
Additionally, the Council has approved a major upgrade for the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, focusing on indigenous enhancements with India-developed radars, avionics, and subsystems. Similarly, the replacement of aging Indian field guns with a state-of-the-art towed gun system and the acquisition of 155-mm Nubless projectiles for artillery guns have been authorised.
To enhance the combat capabilities of Russian T-90 tanks, procurement and integration of automatic target trackers and advanced computers have been greenlit. Moreover, the Navy's procurement of medium-range anti-ship missiles under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category has been cleared.
Furthermore, the Council has approved the procurement of two types of anti-tank munitions. The Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), boasts critical operational capabilities and received final operational clearance for induction into the Indian Air Force in February 2019.
On the other hand, the Prachand Light Combat Helicopters, with a service ceiling of around 21,000 feet, were inducted into the IAF and Army last year. These helicopters, developed by HAL, are designed for deployment in high-altitude regions and their increased induction aims to diversify the IAF's attack chopper fleet, complementing existing models like the HAL Rudra, US-made Apaches, and Russian Mi-35s.
- With inputs from agencies
